LiberTEAS

I am on the fence about this particular Earl. Something about it tastes “different”, but not in a good way—in a weird way! I’ll have to ruminate over a cup and write a proper review soon!

Stephanie: it is weird… but I think that is one of the reasons I like it. It’s different and in this case (at least from my palate’s perspective) different is good.

I feel like I need to research bergamot or something- some teas claimed to be flavoured with just bergamot taste like a garden and the handful of earl greys I really love definitely taste more citrusy, but bergamot is still the only flavour. Hmm.

Most of the Earl Grey teas that I’ve tasted have been flavored with oil of bergamot. The only one that I can recall that flavored their tea with the actual fruit rather than the oil is Numi’s Aged Earl Grey, which is OK, but, the bergamot is definitely a softer presence than in those that have been flavored with the oil.

It’s very dependent upon the oil of bergamot that is used. Some are better quality than others. In addition to the quality of oil is the conditions in which it has been flavored… including the quality and freshness of the tea that is flavored. Earl Grey teas is one of the most difficult flavorings to perfect, because it’s not as forgiving as other flavorings can be.

Bergamot is a citrus – an orange – here is the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamot_orange

I know. :)

Oh, LiberTEAS – I know you know! Sorry – I was replying to what Miss Sweet was saying in her comment “…and the handful of earl greys I really love definitely taste more citrusy, but bergamot is still the only flavor.” I wouldn’t dream of trying to tell you something (I mean you’ve been in/are in the tea business!) – I’m only just starting on my tea-appreciation!

Lauren: I know that there are a lot of people who do not know what bergamot is. In fact, when I started out, I most certainly did not. I mean, it’s not like we can walk into the produce area of the supermarket and find bergamot oranges along with the lemons, limes and grapefruits. (Although, that would be ever so cool!!! Imagine being able to add a thin slice of bergamot orange to your tea rather than a slice of lemon!)

Anyways, I didn’t think you were talking to me when you posted that, so no worries. Have a splendid tea day!!!

But no need to apologize.

You are ever so gracious, thanks, LiberTEAS! Just so you know, I HIGHLY value everything you post/comment because I learn so much from your words! & thanks, I’m drinking this amazing green oolong today, so it’s a good tea day!

Oh, I know what bergamot is too, I was more curious about the difference in flavouring across the tons of earl greys I’ve tried. Its almost like some are flavoured with “earl grey flavour” rather than bergamot itself, which might account for the overly floral taste I’ve had in some plain earl greys (i.e. no flowers in the blend itself)?
And I was wondering about flavouring with bergamot too, some say “scented with”, some say “flavouring” but does that just mean scented?
Its so interesting that there are so many factors involved to get a decently flavoured tea! Sorry for the longwinded comment, earl grey is my favourite and this kind of stuff just fascinates me :D

Miss Sweet: It fascinates me as well! And it is interesting!